Ferry Runs Aground Near Bali, All Passengers Safe

The Indonesian-flagged Ro-Ro/passenger vessel Gerbang Samudra 2 ran aground on a coral reef roughly 100 meters from the Gilimanuk Ferry Terminal in West Bali. The incident occurred while the ship was transporting 76 passengers. Fortunately, no one was injured during the event.

Harsh Conditions Contribute to Early Morning Grounding

The grounding took place around 5:00 a.m. local time on June 22, under challenging weather conditions and strong sea currents. An initial rescue attempt by another ferry, KM. Gerbang Samudra 5, to dislodge the stranded vessel was unsuccessful.

Coordinated Rescue Effort Brings All Aboard to Safety

A swift response followed, led by the Indonesian Navy and the Gilimanuk Port Authority. The search and rescue team utilized a rigid inflatable boat and a patrol ship to safely evacuate the passengers. After about 6.5 hours of joint operations, all passengers were successfully brought ashore at the Gilimanuk Ferry Terminal.

Ferry Refloated the Following Day

A day later, the grounded vessel was refloated in a combined towing operation involving KMP SMS Swakarya and KMP Gerbang Samudra 5. At approximately 8:15 a.m. local time, the Gerbang Samudra 2 was towed back and arrived safely at MB I Pier at Gilimanuk Port.